Mobile-Type Remote Captioning System for Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing People and the Experience of Remote Supports after the Great East Japan Earthquake

Abstract

Mobile-type Remote Captioning System which we proposed is to realize advanced support for sightseeing tours using an uttering guide or practical field trip outside of class. Our syetem utilizes the mobile phone network provided by Japanese mobile phone carriers, the monthly flat-rate voice call and data transfer services. By using these services, deaf or hard-of-hearing student could use real-time captioning while walking. On March 11, 2011, the Great East Japan Earthquake shook Japan. After the quake, there was a great lack of the volunteer students(captionists) inside of the affection areas. Universities outside of the affection areas supported remotely to cover the volunteer work. In order to realize such remote support, the system reported by this paper was used.